Canal charity launches new resource to empower students in tackling climate change

Funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery have enabled the Canal & River Trust to introduce an educational resource designed to educate students about climate change and the crucial role canals and rivers play in combatting it.

The resource fills a gap in climate change education and is developed with input from teachers to meet the needs of the Key Stage 3 (KS3) curriculum. It also raises awareness of the Canal & River Trust as an employer in science and engineering disciplines.

At a time when the nation’s 250-year-old waterways are facing dual challenges from age and more extreme weather patterns, the charity is keen to inspire young people to join its work to keep canals alive.

Entitled ‘How Can Our Canals and Rivers Help Combat Climate Change?’, the resource is tailored to engage KS3 students in understanding the environmental impact of waterways and how they can address pressing climate issues.

Covering topics such as flood management, hydropower, and biodiversity, this resource provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between climate change and waterway stewardship.

 The Canal & River Trust is inviting teachers across the UK to incorporate this resource into their classrooms, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the role of canals in fighting climate change while preparing them for future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

Key features include:

– Digital self-led and cross-curricular design: Flexible and adaptable, the resource is designed for independent learning and can be integrated into various STEM subjects

– Teacher consulted: The resource was developed with direct input from teachers, ensuring that it meets classroom needs and enhances student engagement

– Career information: The resource includes insights into career paths related to engineering, environmental science and sustainability, highlighting the importance of these fields in today’s world

– GCSE preparation: It offers valuable support for students preparing for GCSE exams, including pre-release materials that help deepen their understanding

– Data and student activities: Engaging activities, including Ordance Survey (OS) map exercises, encourage practical application of knowledge, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills

– Understanding climate change: The resource not only deepens students’ understanding of climate change impacts but also encourages critical discussions on mitigation efforts, emphasising the Canal & River Trust’s role in preserving the environment.

 In addition to educating students about climate change, the Canal & River Trust said it is keen to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities within STEM, particularly in engineering, environmental science and sustainability.

By highlighting the charity’s work, the resource aims to inspire young people to consider careers that contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the UK’s waterways.

Barbera Cimadoro, from the Canal & River Trust’s education team, said: “Through our new STEM resource, we’re not only helping students grasp the vital role canals play in addressing climate change, but we’re also inspiring them to explore careers in environmental science and engineering.

“By connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, we hope to empower the next generation to make a meaningful impact on our canals’ – and our planet’s – future.”

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that students can now learn about the vital role canals play in combating climate change.

“This resource not only fills a crucial gap in climate education but also inspires the next generation to pursue careers in environmental science and engineering.”

The resource is divided into four parts:

1. Introduction to the Canal & River Trust: An overview of the Canal & River Trust’s mission and its significance in the UK’s environmental landscape.

2. The environmental impact of canals: Explores nine ways that canals can help combat climate change, offering real-world context to theoretical knowledge.

3. Managing, maintaining, and restoring the canal network: Presents three real-life case studies that demonstrate the practical application of STEM in environmental conservation.

4. Careers and pathways: Provides students with a glimpse into careers within the Canal & River Trust and the broader field of environmental science and engineering aiming to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

For more information and to access the resource, click here.